FORMER North-East soccer stars have entered the debate over England's next competitive match possibly being played behind closed doors.

David Beckham stunn-ed fans in the region at the weekend when he said it may be necessary for supporters to be locked out of Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia.

The England captain admitted that it would be a drastic move, but believes such measures could be warranted after hooligans marred the 2-0 win over Turkey, at the Stadium of Light last month.

Ex-Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand, now with West Ham United, said he was surprised that more was not done to prevent trouble in Sunderland.

"It's a shame the problem has reared its head again," he said.

But fellow former Geordie idol Chris Waddle disagreed with Beckham. He said: "As a player you like to see England fans in the ground. Other teams do not relish coming here when they have to face the England supporters."

Business leaders on Teesside are concerned at the prospect of 35,000 fans missing out on the chance to see the national team in June.

They believe UEFA, European football's governing body, would be harsh to impose a ban because of a small minority of hooligans.